Snowdonia

Huge day today, overcast but no rain, drove a big figure of ‘8’ through Snowdonia National Park.  Before we got there we called in to the Pontcysyllke Aqueduct at Llangollen.  This is a ‘bridge’ built across the valley of the Dee River over 200 years ago to carry a canal for transport of produce to the coast.  A fascinating structure, there is a footpath along the length of it, originally a towpath so horses could tow the barges along the canal.  Lots of narrow boats use it these days carrying tourists and boat owners.  We saw a very small boat for rent at $240/day.  The big 2 bedroom boats charge about $2500/week.  Looks like fun but a little slow and expensive for us.  That said, the canal was very busy this morning.

From there we headed to the Snowdonia Information Centre at Betws-Y- Coed and spoke to a very helpful bloke who recommended a drive route.  Then to Llanrwst to the House by the Bridge for lunch. (Recommended by our helpful lighthouse guide yesterday).

After lunch we drove to Pen-Y- Pass in the centre of the park and a jumping off point for lots of walkers to the summit of Mt Snowdon.  It’s a 6 hour hike with the summit temperatures today at -3 with 30 to 40 knot winds.  We decided not to risk the hike.  We did walk some way up the Ranger Path and the Miners track.  Great views from both.  We could have spent 3 or 4 days in this area alone, so many walking tracks with different views around every corner.  Next time we’ll stay much longer.  We followed that up with a long drive through terrain that changed from flat farming land, mining activity cutting in to the mountains to barren mountainous passes covered in rocks, sheep and goats.   Went up to Caernarfon then down through the park to Porthmadog then home through Blaenau Ffestiniog.   Sensational day!!

The aqueduct 

Boat coming through

Pams balancing act

Another walk down an unused path

The aqueduct from afar with the flood waters

One small slip and I'm in Dublin

Boats for hire

The house by the bridge

Our road in the distance then coming around the mountain on the right

The path on Miners Track

Another tough walk

Cars coming in to the visitors centre along the valley